Gaston Point Christmas organizers get back more than they give

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - Newton’s third law of physics was broken at the Gaston Point Christmas event, because for every action of generosity, the reaction wasn’t equal; it was greater.

That’s just what sponsors were hoping to see.

“It means quite a bit for a lot of kids,” said long-time resident Jerry Freightman. “A lot of kids won’t have anything for Christmas if it wasn’t for things like this. This is wonderful for our community - not just our community - but for Gulfport.”

The event is sponsored by the Proclaim Fellowship Ministries with support from the City of Gulfport, Harrison County Supervisors and other organizations.

In addition to wrapped presents, there was free food, and people also could pick up free clothing items.

“Any time you can get a group of kids together under one roof for the same occasion that doesn’t have anything to do with violence,” said Harrison County Supervisor Kent Jones, “that’s a positive.”

“I love it," said Gulfport City Councilman Kenneth “Truck” Casey. "This is the reason for the season. Jesus is the reason, and I love activities like this in the community for the kids.”

The Iota Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi helped collect and then distribute the toys.

“Giving back to the community - the Bible always talks about giving, right?” said member Edward Goldsmith. “So, we wanted to be one of the first to come out, along with other organizations, and help with the Gaston Point community and give back.”

Part of the ongoing goal for the fellowship is to help revitalize the neighborhood, but to do that, inspiration needs to start early.

“Basically, we wanted to let the children know in this neighborhood that we love them, that they have a future,” said ministries member Patricia Silva-Mujica. “We just want to speak to this generation and give them hope and let them know, you know, that they do not have to be a product of their environment.”

The flood threat in the South will be discussed Thursday, when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration releases its 2019 spring outlook. Experts plan a briefing on their flood forecast at the National Water Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.